FPL’s Eric Silagy appointed to U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Former chair of Florida Chamber joins world’s largest business organization

representing businesses of all sizes as well as state and local chambers

JUNO BEACH, Fla. – Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) today announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer Eric Silagy has been appointed to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for a two-year term. Silagy joins an influential group of 100 business leaders who champion the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions.

“I’m pleased and honored to have the opportunity to work alongside chamber and business leaders from across the country to advocate for pro-business legislation and advance issues that are critically important as we navigate today’s competitive landscape,” said Silagy. “Florida continues its strong economic rebound, attracting new good-paying jobs from around the country, and I look forward to engaging with my colleagues in sharing what has worked for us in ensuring a robust business climate here in the Sunshine State.”

Silagy has been with FPL and its parent company NextEra Energy, Inc. for more than a decade, having served as senior vice president of regulatory and state governmental affairs, chief development officer, and vice president of business development among other positions. Prior to joining NextEra Energy, he served as vice president, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures at Entergy Wholesale Operations, and as vice president and managing director, Southeast Asia, for The Wing Group, a subsidiary of Western Resources. He also worked for U.S. Senator J. Bennett Johnston of Louisiana in several capacities, including chief of staff.

“The Chamber’s volunteer leadership plays a crucial role in helping to set our policy positions, to serve our members, and to advance our free enterprise mission,” said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. “Eric has deep experience in some of our top issue areas, like energy and regulations, and a proven track record of leadership. We welcome him to the Chamber board and look forward to his contributions over the course of his service.”

Silagy is the immediate-past Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center.

Florida Power & Light CompanyFlorida Power & Light Company is the third-largest electric utility in the United States, serving approximately 4.8 million customer accounts across nearly half of the state of Florida. FPL's typical 1,000-kWh residential customer bill is approximately 30 percent lower than the latest national average and, in 2014, was the lowest in Florida among reporting utilities for the fifth year in a row. FPL's service reliability is better than 99.98 percent, and its highly fuel-efficient power plant fleet is one of the cleanest among all utilities nationwide. The company was recognized in 2014 as the most trusted U.S. electric utility by Market Strategies International, and has earned the national ServiceOne Award for outstanding customer service for an unprecedented 10 consecutive years. A leading Florida employer with approximately 8,700 employees, FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, ethics and diversity, including being ranked in the top 10 worldwide for innovativeness and community responsibility as part of Fortune's 2015 list of "World's Most Admired Companies." NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun. For more information, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com .

Today, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners approved the City’s request to extend the operational timeframe of the Lake Monroe Waterfront Downtown Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) through 2025 and continue the successful redevelopment partnership between the City of Sanford and Seminole County. Sanford’s CRA was established in 1995 to address declining economic conditions within the downtown and waterfront, and comprises approximately 378 acres within downtown Sanford along the waterfront areas of the City.

Sanford’s CRA has implemented numerous public infrastructure, streetscapes and building renovations within the downtown area over the past twenty years. These projects include: Magnolia Square, the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, Magnolia Square Market, and the Historic First Street and Sanford Avenue Streetscapes. The CRA has also provided building façade grants and building improvement loan subsidies to qualifying property owners and business owners who have invested in their downtown facilities. The number of businesses within the CRA has increased from 26 in 1995 to 230 in 2015.

The 10 year extension of the operational timeframe of Sanford’s CRA will enable the City and the County to continue the capital improvements; infrastructure improvements and amenities improvements that are needed to enable and encourage continued private sector investment and job creation within downtown Sanford. The continued economic development within the CRA will increase the City and County tax base, and provide increased job opportunities for Sanford residents while improving the City’s infrastructure.

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Sanford, FL (June 8, 2015) – PDQ, which stands for People Dedicated to Quality, opened its first Orlando area location on Sunday, June 7, serving over 1,800 customers. Located at 1610 Rinehart Road near State Road 417, this will be PDQ’s 40th restaurant nationwide. The fast casual restaurant concept specializes in fresh food fast. Known for their hand-breaded chicken tenders, PDQ also produces delicious salads, sandwiches, fresh-cut fries and hand-spun milkshakes.

Although PDQ is also frequently referred to as “Pretty Darn Quick,” the fast casual restaurant prides itself on the quality control that goes into the food preparation. All menu items are made to order on site with the freshest ingredients and all generally served within 2 minutes. The fresh-cut fries are cut in-store from fresh whole potatoes, and the 11 signature dipping sauces and salad dressings are made daily in-house to guarantee quality.

“We were thrilled PDQ chose Sanford for their first Orlando area location. Sanford is a growing community that is open for business and growing new jobs. PDQ’s opening created an additional 75 jobs in our community and we look forward to a long-term partnership with PDQ,” stated Frank S. Hale, Executive Director, Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce.

PDQ stands out from other fast food chains and quick service restaurants by featuring an open kitchen, allowing guests to see the food preparation from start to finish. The 4,200 sq. ft. Sanford location will feature an outdoor patio, as well as counter and table seating accommodating up to 140 diners.

While many are drawn to PDQ’s famous crispy tenders, the menu features a variety of options that cater to everyone. The high quality fresh chicken, which comes in tender meals, sandwiches and salads, can also be grilled or substituted for turkey. The hand-tossed salads are made with fresh produce and can be paired with seven homemade salad dressings.

“At PDQ, freshness is the name of the game,” says Bob Basham, PDQ’s principal owner and the co-Founder of Outback Steakhouse. “We’re not your typical fast food restaurant, we pride ourselves on being People Dedicated to Quality. We always focus on the highest quality while providing the PDQ guest with fast, friendly service.”

PDQ is founded on the concept that high-quality food, memorable service and genuine hospitality are the cornerstones of an excellent restaurant. PDQ prides itself on a friendly environment focused on the highest customer service.

About PDQ:Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham and MVP Holdings CEO Nick Reader are the two principal owners of PDQ. The partners spent more than two years developing the concept behind the brand and quality of the food and establishments. On October 30, 2011, the original PDQ restaurant opened its door and the concept now has 40 locations throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. PDQ prides itself on delicious sandwiches and salads made with the finest ingredients and their signature sauces and dressings are homemade every day. Restaurant Business Magazine recently named PDQ as the #1 fastest growing small chain in America, Nation’s Restaurant News chose PDQ as a 2014 Hot Concepts recipient and QSR Magazine named PDQ its July 2014 One to Watch. All menu items are under $10 and combo meals start as low as $7.69. PDQ will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week with dine-in seating and a drive-thru. Catering is also available for events and carryout. PDQ Sanford is located at 1610 Rinehart Road, Sanford, FL 32771. For more information, visit www.eatPDQ.com.

City of Sanford to Sell Late 19th Century Downtown Jail SiteThe City of Sanford is soliciting proposals for the purchase and redevelopment of 113 S. Palmetto Avenue, which includes the historic, former Seminole County Jail building. Interested parties may download the Request for Proposal (RFP) (RFP#14/15-12) at www.myvendorlink.com. Minimum Bid Price: $53,000; provided, however, the City will consider development proposals that provide other substantial economic benefits to the City.

The building located at 113 S. Palmetto Avenue was constructed circa 1890 by William J. Hill, the first building supply operator in Sanford. The structure is part of the City’s original downtown commercial district which developed between 1886-1924. The building originally housed a blacksmith and wagon shop. From 1904 through 1913 the building was home to the “E.E. Brady Livery Feed and Sales Stables”. The business offered horses, buggies, and mule teams for hire.

Seminole County was created on April 25, 1913. That same year, the newly created County acquired the building for use as a jail. The Seminole County Jail functioned at the location until 1959. The original prison cell door and prison ledger book are on display at the Museum of Seminole County.

The City envisions redevelopment on this site to capitalize upon the unique history of the late 19th century “jail” building, attracting visitors and tourists to learn more about Sanford’s rich history. The site will be conveyed in "as-is" condition, and is zoned SC-3, Special Commercial, which requires that ground floor use be retail.

The “Kids Helping Kids” Summer Food Drive was created in an effort to help fight childhood hunger during the summer vacation months when children no longer receive free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch. Members of the credit union were encouraged to donate non-perishable food items at any of its 17 branches for a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to Universal. The winner of this drawing will be announced by June 20, 2015.

“Summertime marks a critical time for food pantries in Central Florida as the need for child-friendly, healthy food escalates,” said Melissa Boyink, marketing director for Insight Credit Union. “We are thankful for all of our members and employees who donated to support this worthwhile cause.”

Insight Credit Union is a state-chartered credit union based in Orlando serving anyone who lives or works in Central Florida. Insight has 17 locations, over 190 employees and serves more than 50,000 members in Citrus, Lake, Marion, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties to name a few. A not-for-profit, Insight is a full-service financial institution offering banking, loans, mortgages and investments for consumers and businesses throughout Central Florida. For more information visit InsightCreditUnion.com or find the credit union on Facebook or Twitter.

Sanford Museum display tells Seminole State College’s 50-year history
Free exhibit will continue through Aug. 31
SANFORD, Fla. (June 2, 2015) -- The Seminole State College Library, in partnership with the City of Sanford, is presenting “Celebrating 50 Years of Changing Lives (1965-2015),” an exhibit at the Sanford Museum.
The exhibit, through photos and memorabilia from the college’s archives, tells the story of Seminole State’s 50-year history. The exhibit is curated by Barbara Hilderbrand, manager of Library Technical Services, and Library Technical Assistants Alberto Valentin and David Spencer.
“We are excited to partner with the City of Sanford on this historic exhibit,” says Erika Wayne, director of Seminole State libraries. “It’s fitting that the exhibit is in Downtown Sanford, as the idea for a public college was born there 50 years ago.”
The exhibit continues through Aug. 31. The museum is located at 520 E. First St. in Sanford, and admission is free.
For museum hours and more information, please visit: www.sanfordfl.gov or call 407.688.5198.
Seminole State is celebrating its 50th anniversary with events throughout the year. For more information, please visit seminolestate.edu/50. Governor Haydon Burns signed legislation creating what would become Seminole State College on June 4, 1965.
From Orange Grove to Alma Mater
Seminole State College of Florida is celebrating 50 years of changing lives. The College opened as the first public college in the area in a former citrus grove. Today, Seminole State serves more than 30,000 students with campuses in Altamonte Springs, Heathrow, Oviedo and Sanford/Lake Mary. For more about the college, visit www.seminolestate.edu, like them on Facebook: facebook.com/seminolestate, and follow them on Twitter: @seminolestate.